The Police Command in Cross River on Tuesday decorated 145 newly- promoted officers with their new ranks. The Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, who decorated the officers at the Police Mess in Calabar, said that the promotion was in line with the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police. Inuwa explained that the Police Service Commission had approved the IGP’s recommendation and promoted the offcers. According to him, the promotion will boost the morale of the officers in tackling all forms of crimes and illegality in the state. He said: “We are happy that the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Police is among the states that got promoted officers. “In all, we are happy today that 140 Inspectors were elevated to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, while five officers were promoted from Deputy Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of Police. “I urge the promoted officers to see their new ranks as a call to service and dedication to any assignment they may be called upon to execute.’’ On crime prevention, Inuwa said that the command had mapped out strategies to curb crime during the Ember months. According to him, the command has put in place adequate measures to ensure that the state is crime- free during the Ember months and beyond. Inuwa said: “Ember months are not new to us. I am happy that this promotion is coming now because it will surely boost the morale of the officers in responding to emergencies at any given time. “I wish to call on members of the public to support the police in fighting crime by availing us with timely and useful information.” Ogunlaja Sikiru, a Deputy Suprintendent of Police, who spoke on behalf of the decorated officers, thanked the Police authorities for approving their promotion, adding that they would give in their best in service.